The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet (Paris, France — 1857) — Questions and answers
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Why did Millet's painting, 'The Gleaners,' cause controversy?
Choices
- It was too small for the museum.
- It showed a romanticized view of peasant life.
- It depicted rural poverty, which challenged common views. ✓
- It had too many bright colors.
Answer: It depicted rural poverty, which challenged common views.
From page 1
What did Millet's father tell him to observe about the sea and the people?
Choices
- How much fish were in the sea.
- How the sea shapes the land, just as hardship shapes people. ✓
- How clear the water was near Cherbourg.
- How fast the waves moved onto the shore.
Answer: How the sea shapes the land, just as hardship shapes people.
From page 2
Who was Paul Delaroche, Millet's teacher in Paris?
Choices
- A famous musician
- A renowned history painter ✓
- A skilled sculptor
- A well-known poet
Answer: A renowned history painter
From page 3
What event made Millet return to Cherbourg from Paris?
Choices
- He ran out of paint and supplies.
- His family asked him to come home.
- A deadly cholera epidemic. ✓
- He wanted to paint the coastline.
Answer: A deadly cholera epidemic.
From page 4
What kind of images did Millet's patron want him to paint?
Choices
- Realistic scenes of hard work.
- Idealized and beautiful peasant life. ✓
- Pictures of animals in the forest.
- Portraits of rich city people.
Answer: Idealized and beautiful peasant life.
From page 6
How did some critics at the Paris Salon react to 'The Gleaners'?
Choices
- They praised it as a beautiful masterpiece.
- They bought it immediately for a high price.
- They dismissed it as vulgar and degrading. ✓
- They found it to be too small and uninteresting.
Answer: They dismissed it as vulgar and degrading.
From page 8
Who was the writer who defended Millet's painting, calling it 'truth' and a 'masterpiece'?
Choices
- Paul Delaroche
- Elio
- Alexandre Dumas ✓
- Sami
Answer: Alexandre Dumas
From page 9